DE19922735A1 - External lighting system for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has headlamps (4) which include actuators (5), shades and lenses which allow the color and the direction of the lamps to be adjusted and circuitry which allows the intensity of the lamps to be adjusted. An electronic controller (3) receives input from sensor systems (2a-d) regarding weather, road and lighting conditions, in response to which it adjusts the properties of the lights. The system may include a receiver for receiving weather and/or road condition information from an external source.

Description

The present invention relates to a vehicle lamp and in particular to a vehicle lighting system. Although the present invention is for one suitable for a wide range of applications, it is particularly suitable, a better one Lighting control of a vehicle lighting system depending on various to provide weather and / or road surface conditions.

Light sources mounted on a vehicle are usually different weather conditions operated by the environment in which the vehicle is located moves, depends. There is therefore an interest in ensuring safe driving in which the illuminance is changed depending on the road conditions.

With a conventional luminaire, however, the difficulty arises Adequate lighting or sufficient marker lighting, especially in the case worsening weather conditions and changes in road conditions conditions. For example, there is a potential driving problem Illumination system with headlights in that the efficiency of the Ausleuch tion reduced. In addition, the view of drivers in vehicles that are on the approach the opposite lane, or be affected by the light from pedestrians are pregnant, especially if the road conditions deteriorate. Farther the intensity of the marker lights or the direction of travel lights themselves decrease due to fog or rain.

The present invention is therefore directed to a vehicle lighting system which essentially one or more, due to the limitations and disadvantages of the Problems arising prior art avoids.

Another object of the present invention is to better control the Illumination of vehicle lights in response to weather and road conditions enable.  

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following description and are partially apparent from the description or can by practical application of the invention can be seen. The tasks and others Advantages of the invention are realized or achieved by the arrangement, in particular special in the description and in the claims as well as the attached drawings gene is shown.

To achieve these and other benefits in accordance with the concern of the present, Achieving the invention described and described in detail involves driving zeugbelumination system vehicle lights, an environment detection device for recording weather and road conditions and a lighting control based device for regulating the lighting of the vehicle lights the weather and road conditions by the environmental detection device be preserved.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a Vehicle lighting system Vehicle lights, a light driver device for control a lighting area and a lighting direction of the lights, a Be lighting controller for controlling the light intensity, an environmental detection direction for recording weather and road conditions, a lighting control device for controlling the lamp driver device and the lighting controller based on the weather and road conditions that are detected by the surrounding area can be obtained, and a driver for changing a loading empire and a direction of lighting of vehicle lights.

Of course, both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description is exemplary and explanatory and is ge thought another illustration of the invention claimed by the claims to deliver.

The accompanying drawings add a better understanding of the Invention and are included as part of this application to work with the description of embodiments of the invention to illustrate and order explain the basics of the invention.

The figures show:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an arrangement of a vehicle lighting system according to the present invention;

Fig. 2A and 2B illustrates schematic views showing a principle of detection of a kierung Fahrbahnmar on the basis of image data;

Fig. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the structure of a vehicle lamp;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a distribution of the lighting intensity of the vehicle lights shown in FIG. 3;

Fig. 5 is a schematic view illustrating another configuration of the vehicle lamp;

Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a detailed present lighting system according to a preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1 of the invention.

Fig. 7 is a schematic view showing a structure of a projection lamp, which controls a distribution of the illumination intensity;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating a distribution of the lighting intensity of the vehicle headlamp shown in FIG. 7;

Figure 9 is a schematic view illustrating a structure of the lung Leuchtintensitätsvertei variable headlamp incorporating an outer and an inner lens.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a distribution of the lighting intensity of the vehicle headlamp shown in FIG. 9;

Fig. 11 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps for determining driving To gebungszuständen group;

Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the steps for determining driving environment conditions; and

Fig. 13 is a flowchart exemplifying the steps for controlling headlights under fog conditions.

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present Invention, which are exemplified in the accompanying drawings, genome men. As often as possible, the same reference numerals refer to the same or related components used in the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle lighting system 1 of the present invention includes an environment detection device 2 , a lighting control device 3 , a headlamp 4, and a driver device 5 .

The environment detection device 2 detects the weather and road conditions. More specifically, the environment detection means comprises a 2 Bildaufnahmeein direction 2 a, 2 b a Wetteranalysiereinrichtung, a road surface analyzer 2 c and a reference data-receiving device 2 d.

The image recording device 2 a collects image data from the surroundings of a vehicle. For example, a CCD camera (charge coupled device) can be used as the image recording device 2 a. In general, the image recording device 2 a is mounted on a protective screen outside the passenger compartment or in the front area of the vehicle.

The weather analyzer 2 b detects weather conditions (rain, fog, snow, etc.) immediately outside the vehicle by receiving the image data from the image recording device 2 a or information from the reference data recording device 2 d.

The road surface analysis device 2 c determines the conditions of the road surface by receiving image data from the image recording device 2 a or information from the reference data recording device 2 d. By analyzing a contrast of the brightness of a marking on the road (e.g. a painted line), the road surface analyzing device 2 c determines, for example, the road surface conditions (e.g. dry, wet, snowy, etc.) or a geometry of a road to be covered Way from the height of contrast. The road surface analyzing device 2 c is preferably equipped, as desired, with a device for analyzing the road structure (for example guard rails or fences which restrict visibility). Therefore, if there is no clear marking on the road, the analyzer determines a geometry of the path to be traveled based on other road features such as guardrails, a median, trees and plants along the hard shoulder, a gap between piles of snow along a snowy road and the road surface, and a demarcation between lanes and snow-covered areas.

The reference data recording device 2 d collects reference data for the environment detection device 2 in order to estimate weather and road conditions with data other than the image data relating to the surroundings of the vehicle. The reference data are forwarded to the weather analysis device 2 b, the road surface analysis device 2 c and the lighting control device 3 . The reference data include operating data for the devices mounted on the vehicle, ambient lighting data, weather data, outside temperature and outside air humidity data and data for detecting an oncoming vehicle or another preceding vehicle. For example, the reference data recording device 2 d comprises a control switch for activating wipers attached to the vehicle, an exterior light detection device for detecting ambient light of the vehicle (ie, a lighting sensor or the like), a device for receiving data relating to it the weather or road surface conditions are obtained from communication devices located along the road (e.g., a receiver for use in road-to-vehicle communication, a navigation system, or the like) and a sensor to detect outside temperature and moisture.

The lighting control device 3 controls the lighting of the lights 4 mounted on the vehicle on the basis of the detection data received from the environment detection device 2 . The lights 4 include lighting units such as headlights and marker lights.

The lights 4 controlled by the lighting control device 3 have the following functions: (a) distribution of the lighting intensity; (b) intensity of light (including turning off the headlights); and (c) color of light.

In some cases, the driver 5 may be required to change the area of the lighting of the lights 4 or the direction in which the lights 4 shine to control the distribution of the light intensity. The light intensity is controlled by regulating the power supplied to the light source or by changing the degree of shielding if a light shielding element is used. A light color can be controlled by switching back and forth between light sources or by using a color filter or a similar component.

The categories of control modes used for the lighting control device 3 comprise at least two categories relating to weather conditions, such as, for example, good weather or rainy weather conditions. Depending on requirements, there are preferably further categories relating to other weather conditions, such as fog or snow conditions. The lights 4 can be controlled more efficiently by gradually or continuously controlling the distribution of the light intensity, the intensity of the light and the light color in accordance with the amount of precipitation of snow and the density of the fog.

In the following, a method for determining the weather and the conditions Straßenbedin is from the results of the Wetteranalysiereinrichtung 2 b and the road ßenoberflächenanalysiereinrichtung c 2 illustrates carried out image analysis.

Figs. 2A and 2B show schematic diagrams on the road from the image pickup device 2 a received image data showing a method for detecting egg ner pavement marking. An illustration of FIG. 2 shows an image of a road surface that was recorded while the vehicle was moving. The Li never HH marks a horizontal line; the line VV indicates a vertical line; a dashed line indicates a line marker. A waveform diagram shown in Fig. 2B shows a video signal VS of one line related to the image of the road surface.

It is a well known fact that there is a relationship between brightness and an output voltage of an image pickup element. It is assumed that the brightness of a lane marking M on the screen as LL and the brightness the road surface is set as LR, a voltage of the video signal VS corresponds according to the brightness LL marked by VL and a voltage of the video signal VS is marked by VR according to the brightness LR. VL is larger than VR.

By detecting the lane marking M, differential data VL-VR are obtained in order to determine a profile of the edge of the lane marking M. If the difference data VL-VR are greater than a certain threshold value, a detected area determined as the edge of the lane marking M. The entire captured image is subjected to such a process, whereby the profiles of structures in the picture be detached. If the extracted profile essentially with the characteristic of the lane marking, the detected image becomes a lane  mark classified. The application of this procedure is not to capture limited by road markings. The method can also be used to capture Vehicles, road structures and obstacles are used.

It is important to note that a relative value (VL-VR) VR that contrasts the Hel represents the lane marking M, changes accordingly when the Road surface condition changes with weather conditions.

Table 1 shows an example of the size of the relative value (VL-VR) VR (high, medium, low, almost zero) if "nice, light rain, rain, heavy rain, fog and thick fog "as weather conditions and" dry, wet, and flooded "as roads surface conditions are given.  

Table 1

Assuming that a value (VL-VR) VR for a nice and dry state (e.g. a value of about 5) is used as a reference value, the value (VL-VR) VR becomes larger (e.g. a value of at least 10) when the road surface becomes wet after rain or light rain and the value becomes smaller (e.g. a value of 1 or less) when a closed water surface occurs with foggy weather. The value (VL-VR) VR relating to an area of the image covering an area near the car is lower than the value relating to a part of the image covering an area further from the car (ie, close to the threshold of the resolving power of the image recording device 2 a).

As mentioned above, weather and road conditions can be roughly estimated by taking the characteristics of the path to be covered from the captured image are taken and by analyzing the value (VL-VR) VR (the contrast of the Brightness) of the special area on the road, such as a lane marking or a similar marker.

In order to improve the accuracy of the estimate, the data obtained from the reference data recording device 2 d should be considered. For example, activating / deactivating the wiper control switch can be used as indirect information that reflects that the driver classifies the weather as rainy to determine whether the weather is rainy or beautiful. Furthermore, from the data relating to the time interval and the duration with which the windshield wipers are operated, weather conditions such as rain or snow can be confirmed.

Alternatively, weather information can be obtained using a radio signal or an im hen infrared-emitting communication device as a road-to- Vehicle communications are received, as well to improve accuracy can be used to estimate the weather conditions.

If it is necessary to differentiate between daytime and nighttime to determine the weather and road conditions, a light sensor can be used to detect ambient light. Likewise, a method for calculating a brightness of the vehicle surroundings from an image of the road surface captured by the image recording device 2 a or an image captured by a fisheye lens, which shows the surroundings including the entire sky, can be used. Furthermore, a method using calendars and time information received from a timer device can be used.

For example, a ray of light emerging from the night fog is the glow thrower to determine whether the condition from the captured image the weather is rainy or foggy. Assume that the tension of one Brightness of the beam corresponding detection signal VB, then VB increases with the density of the fog. Depending on the light intensity of the headlight, VB greater than the voltage that the brightness of a lane marking with a certain corresponds to its secondary density. Accordingly, the relative value (VL-VB) will correspond to VB As the fog density increases, it changes from one positive value to a negative value.

In comparison, the light from the headlights has little effect the brightness of the road surface during a fog a day. Therefore there are Regarding the value (VL-VR) VR, which is the contrast of the brightness of the road mark  represents only a small difference in VR that lies between the middle of the ver sweeping lane and the edge of the road marking is measured. But if there is one Giving daylight reduction (e.g. at dusk) brings the difference in Position where VR is measured is a problem. For this reason, a Measuring position determined by VR taking into account the influence of the light beam.

In snow, different situations have to be considered when an image of the Road marking while snowfall is being recognized. For example, there are two Cases are considered; the snow remains on the road surface and the snow does not stay on the road surface. When there is no snow on the road surface three different situations can be considered; a dry road outer surface, a wet road surface and a frozen road surface. If the snow remains on the road surface, three different ones can be used Situations are considered; the road surface is completely covered with snow covers, unmelted snow remains on the road surface and lanes in the snow.

In the event that the snow remains on the road surface, the detection of the Road markings in snow are considered almost equivalent to detection in fog become. The light from the headlights or the daylight is blocked by the snow scatters. In this case, although the lane marking is visible, it can be gradual become less visible.

In the event that snow piles up on the road surface, the road marking can Partially visible or completely invisible depending on the state of the heaped snow. Even if the lane marking is partially visible, it can the marker eventually combined with an increase in the accumulated Amount of snow become less visible.

The snow accumulated can be analyzed by analyzing an image by means of the fact that the The brightness of the accumulated snow is usually greater than that of the upper street area to be recognized. To see if the road surface is completely covered  Snow is covered, the following situations are considered. A road marking tion does not appear in the area of the captured image in which the lane marking should be visible, and there are traces in the snow act.

If the wipers are switched on while the vehicle is moving in the snow (or rain or fog), the wipers move in front of the image recording device 2 a and thus influence the image recording. In this case, the position of the wipers is taken into account. Images that are less affected by the movement of the windscreen wipers are also taken into account and subjected to an analysis.

The lighting control device 3 will now be described with reference to the following in playful weather conditions such as (I) rain, (II) fog and (III) snowfall.

For (I) rain, the following problems have to be solved.

• (I-1) reduction in reflectivity due to wetness of the road surface;
• (I-2) a drop in visibility of road geometry;
• (I-3) glare due to light reflection on the road surface; and
• (I-4) Decrease in visibility of markers due to increasing rain the blow amount.

If the road surface is determined to be wet during rain at night, a reflectivity of the road surface is reduced to about a tenth of the Re Flexibility of the road surface during the night without rain. Hence the we The lighting of the road surface by the headlights is greatly reduced. It also reduces if there is a film of water or mud on the road mark  formation of the road surface, a holiness contrast along the boundary between between the road surface and the road marking. As a result, it becomes difficult to recognize a street geometry. These conditions also add to the difficulty driver's ability to drive in the rain during the night.

If the light emitted by the headlights onto the road surface is a Reflected by a water film on the street surface fen, the reflected light can blind the drivers of other vehicles and thus that Make driving dangerous at night. Furthermore, with a large amount of rain Visibility of brake lights or taillights also deteriorated.

A usually introduced back reflection factor of the road surface tends to be there to get smaller when the beam is set higher. For example, the situation occurs tion that the road surface far from the front of the vehicle is. If there is a film of water on the surface of the road, it will decrease Back reflection factor further. Because of this, the road surface that is far away from the vehicle, cannot be lit brightly enough. Therefore, a procedure to control the direction of the lighting of the headlights. If For example, a vehicle located on the left side of the lane Moving to the right is the glare of oncoming vehicles increased because the direction of illumination of the headlights changes. Such a ver driving is therefore not desirable.

If a vehicle moving in the rain is moving towards an oncoming vehicle approach, the discomfort of a driver driving in the rain is prevented by a Light intensity is increased towards or towards the right side of the road which the beam focuses on the road surface near the front of the vehicle is placed (i.e., on the road surface within 10 m of the front of the vehicle). There to be able to use two methods; a method of increasing light quantity that is directed onto the road surface near the front of the vehicle or the amount of light that is directed onto the verge of the road by means of control the distribution of light intensity in a downward beam; and a process  for the additional switching on of auxiliary headlights to support an after un directed beam (such as fog lights or similar headlights).

According to one example of the first method, a shown in Fig. 3 headlamp 4 comprises a a light shielding member 7, which (ie, light of a metal halide, an incandescent lamp or the like) under a light source 6 is arranged so that the Lichtabschirme lement 7 along the primary axis of the beam LL of the headlamp is moved by an actuating device 8 . A reflection mirror includes a primary reflection mirror 9 which is arranged substantially above the horizontal plane including the primary light axis LL and a secondary reflection mirror 10 which is arranged essentially below the horizontal plane.

When the road surface is in a dry state, a distribution pattern of the light intensity 11 (hereinafter referred to as "distribution pattern 11 "), which is shown by a solid line in Fig. 11, is formed by shielding the light emitted from the light source 6 or the light shielding element 7 migrates to the secondary reflection mirror 10 . During rainy weather, the light shielding element 7 is moved accordingly to the wetness of the road surface in order to control the amount of light. The light from the light source 6 thus penetrates into the secondary reflection mirror 10 . As a result, a distribution pattern of the light intensity 12 (hereinafter referred to as a "distribution pattern 12 ") is formed, which is shown by a broken line in FIG. 4. A geometry of the secondary reflection mirror 10 and a light axis of the secondary reflection mirror 10 are set so that the light reflected from the secondary reflection mirror 10 illuminates the road surface near the vehicle front side. Therefore, the amount of light directed onto the road surface near the front of the vehicle is controlled by such a method.

In this case, the primary reflection mirror 9 and the secondary reflection mirror 10 are not limited to a single reflecting mirror surface. Alternative options such as a paraboloid surface, a composite reflective surface that includes multiple reflective areas, and a reflective surface formed by corrugating a single curved surface can also be used.

In a headlight 4 B shown in FIG. 5, a primary reflection mirror 13 , which is arranged substantially above the horizontal plane including a primary light axis of the headlight 4 B, is stationary. A secondary reflection mirror 14 , which is located substantially below the horizontal plane, is mounted so as to be rotatable within the vertical plane by the actuator 15 . When the road surface is dry, the secondary reflection mirror 14 is held in a position shown by the solid line in FIG. 5. A distribution pattern of the light intensity contained at this time is identical to the distribution pattern 11 identified as a continuous line in FIG. 4. In rainy weather, the actuating device 15 causes the secondary reflection mirror 14 to rotate accordingly according to the wetness of the road surface, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 5. As a result, the light directed from the light source 16 onto the secondary reflection mirror 14 is radiated onto the road surface near the front of the vehicle after being reflected by the secondary reflection mirror 14 . This results in a distribution pattern of the light intensity that is identical to the distribution pattern 12 identified by the dotted line in FIG. 4.

The luminous intensity (or the intensity of the light) becomes corresponding to the declining Amount of rain (or snow) increased. Alternatively, lights that have a beam high luminous intensity, such as rear fog lamps, to the following Vehicles are directed to increase the light intensity.

In connection with (II) fog, the following problems (II-1) to (II-3) must be solved:

• (II-1) Difficulty due to visual impairment due to diffraction or light scattering Fog particles occur when a hard shoulder or a lane marking to be determined in front of the vehicle. Furthermore, the difficulty in driving the Vehicle with headlights in thick fog.  
• (II-2) Difficulty in determining the headlight from accommodating the vehicles, the degree of difficulty depending on the density of the fog.
• (II-3) Difficulty in determining the light from taillights.
  To solve the above problems, the following methods (II-i) to (II-iii) are used:
• (II-i) The operation of headlights is improved by a method, the Hel veil is reduced by the height of a cutting line (or a Boundary line) of a regulated headlight beam is reduced, and the light amount directed at the road surface close to the front of the vehicle is increased (by using auxiliary lights, by changing the time Distribution of light intensity or similar processes).
• (II-ii) The visibility of an oncoming vehicle is determined by a process improved, the light intensity of lights (such as headlights, fog lights and small lights) increased or decreased according to the density of the fog is reduced, or by means of a process, the color of the light of the lights in Direction changed to yellow color (in the case of fog during the day the yellow color is Color at a greater distance than the white color of light can be seen).
• (II-iii) The recognition of the vehicle by the following vehicles is by lighting facilitated with rear fog lights in thick fog.
• (III) The following problems (III-1) to (III-3) must be related to snow be solved:
• (III-1) deterioration of recognizability of lane markings or sidelights fenced off the road due to light scattering from snow.  
• (III-2) Difficulty in determining the headlight from accommodating the vehicles with regard to an increasing amount of snowfall.
• (III-3) Difficulty in detecting the light from a taillight ahead vehicle due to the snow whirled up by the rear wheels.

In principle, there are similar methods that were previously used for rain and snow has been written as a solution to the problems caused by snow. However, the special properties under snow conditions must be considered to be pulled. For example, that of a vehicle in front whirled snow adhere to the lights, so that the ability of the lights to Illuminate and deteriorate for signaling. In this case, a Hei tongue or wiper for the lights can be provided.

FIGS. 6 to 13 show an application of a system for controlling the illumination of vehicle lights according to the present invention.

In a lighting control system 17 shown in Fig. 6, a controller of the light intensity distribution 18 (hereinafter referred to as "controller 18 ") is formed as an electronic control unit including a computer. The controller 18 contains, as input signals and input data, a signal output by an automatic headlight lighting switch 19 , further information by a road-to-vehicle communication / navigation device 20 , a signal output by a windshield wiper control switch 21 , and an external light detection sensor 22 given detection signal, information on the result of an image recorded by a CCD camera 23 and then analyzed by an image analyzer 24 , and a detection signal output by an outside air / moisture sensor 25 . These signals and information are controlled in a uniform manner by a LAN (local area network) and loaded into the controller 18 .

With simultaneous reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, the CCD camera 23 corresponds to the image recording device 2 a. The image analysis device 24, which may be integrated into controller 18, is in the Wetteranalysiereinrichtung 2 b and 2 c Straßenoberflächenanaly siereinrichtung included. The reference data recording device 2 d includes the wiper control switch 21 , the automatic lighting switch 19 , the road-to-vehicle communication / navigation device 20 , the outside light sensor 22 and the outside air / moisture sensor 25 .

The controller 18 controls headlights 26 , front fog lights 27 , rear fog lights 28 , brake lights 29 and rear lights 30 . A driver device 31 for controlling the area and the direction of the lighting and a controller 32 for controlling the light intensities for the headlights 26 and for the front fog lights 27 are seen before. The driver device 31 and the controller 32 are controlled by the controller 18 ge. Furthermore, a further controller for the brake lights 29 and the tail lights 30 is provided for control by the controller 18 . The lights shown in Fig. 6 are just an example. The controller 18 also controls a high-mounted brake light or heaters attached to the lights.

The lighting control system 17 described above starts a control function when an automatic mode is activated by turning on the automatic lighting switch 19 . Taking into account the reference data output from the wiper control switch 21 and the data from the sensors, the lighting control system 17 controls the individual lights according to a variety of control modes that relate to the driving situation (hereinafter referred to as "driving situation modes") on the Based on a result of the analysis of an image taken from the road surface in front of the vehicle.

The following categories are available as driving situation modes, for example.

• (1) first control mode (nice weather at night)
• (2) second control mode (rain / snowfall at night)
• (3) third control mode (heavy rain / rapid fall at night)
• (4) fourth control mode (nice weather during the day)
• (5) fifth control mode (heavy rain / snowfall during the day).

In the first control mode, the outside light is determined as the day section night, based on the image received by the CCD camera 23 and the detection signal from the outside light detection sensor 22 . Furthermore, based on the brightness contrast or the weather information received from the road-to-vehicle communication / navigation device 20 , the current weather is determined to be neither rain nor snow. In the first control mode, the lights are automatically switched on or off. Small lights are switched on, especially if the vehicle environment is classified as dark. If the order was determined to be absolutely dark, the headlights 26 are switched on, but the rear fog lamps 28 remain unlit.

• (2) In the second control mode, the current weather is shown as rain or snowfall Determined at night and at least one of the following control functions is carried out:
• (2-1) The distribution of the light intensity of the regulated rays of the headlights 26 is set to a light intensity distribution for use on a road covered with rain or snow, or the front fog lights 27 are turned on.
• (2-2) In the event that the headlights 26 have the feature of changing the direction and the area of the lighting according to a steering angle or according to the data output from a navigation system regarding the geometry of the road, the orientation of the light beam axis and the light intensity distribution, which is directed to the oncoming traffic, changed so that the dazzling of drivers of oncoming vehicles is avoided in accordance with whether rain or snowfall prevails.
• (2-3) When the vehicle is at rest, the headlights 26 are deactivated or regulated, or the beam axis of the headlights 26 is set lower.

A headlamp type with a light distribution control has a structure similar to that of a projection lamp 34 shown in FIG. 7. In particular, the projection lamp 34 includes a lens 23 (not shown) attached to a lamp housing, a shielding member 36 and a reflection mirror 37 which is rotatable about a center of rotation RP within the vertical plane (in the direction indicated by arrow A). When the weather is nice, the projection lamp 34 delivers a distribution pattern of the light intensity 38 , which is indicated by a solid line in FIG. 8. In contrast to this, the projection lamp 34 delivers a distribution pattern of the light intensity 39 indicated by a broken line in FIG. 8 in rainy weather. Although a boundary line marked by a broken line is maintained without change, the area of maximum intensity of the pattern in rainy weather is reduced compared to the pattern in fine weather, thereby illuminating the road near the front of the vehicle more.

In a headlamp 40 shown in FIG. 9, an inner lens 43 is attached between an outer lens 41 and a reflection mirror 42, and an actuator 44 (e.g., an access arm or the like) is provided around the inner lens 43 along the beam axis of the headlight 40 , as indicated by the case B to move. With this arrangement, a distance between the outer lens 41 and the inner lens 43 can be changed and thus a degree of scattering of the light beam can be controlled. In this case, a distribution pattern of the light intensity 45 , shown as a solid line in Fig. 10, is used for use in rainy weather (or foggy weather). In contrast, a distribution pattern of the light intensity 46 for use in fine weather, shown as a broken line in Fig. 10, is scattered in the horizontal direction. Thus, a distribution of the light intensity can be controlled by regulating the position or orientation of optical elements that are part of the headlamp, or by changing the radiation axis of the entire headlamp.

The third control mode results in a more pronounced regulation in rain or snow fall than the second control mode. The headlights 26 are controlled in the same manner as in the second control mode, and the front and rear fog lights 27 and 28 are automatically turned on. If a vehicle is not equipped with the rear fog lights 28 , the light intensity and the brightness of the taillights is increased by regulation.

In the second and in the third control mode, when oncoming vehicles are detected on the basis of an image recorded by the CCD camera 23 , the distribution of the light intensity is so limited that glare to the oncoming driver is avoided. If, however, the presence of visually restrictive fences on the median is confirmed by the data received from the road-to-vehicle communication system, it is not necessary to take into account the glare of oncoming vehicles. The limitation of the distribution of light intensity is thus overridden. In this way, the lighting control details are changed as desired according to the driving situation.

Since the fourth control mode is used for use in fine weather during the day, the activation of the headlights 26 or fog lights is not necessary.

The fifth control mode is used during the day. However, the headlights 26 , the front fog lights 27 , the rear fog lights 28 and the rear lights 30 are turned on taking into account the effect of heavy rain and snow on the lighting. If the headlights 26 also functionally as daylight operating lights (headlights that operate during the day), an increased light intensity of the headlights is desired to ensure that the vehicle is recognized by other vehicles. Furthermore, the light intensity of the rear lights 30 is increased in order to ensure that the vehicle is recognized by the following vehicles.

Fig. 11 shows a flowchart for describing the steps for determining the driving situation modes taking into account mainly the intensity of the outside light and the operation of the wipers. In step S1, it is determined whether the automatic lighting switch 19 is in an automatic mode or not. When the automatic mode is in operation, the process flow goes to step S2. If not, it is determined that the automatic lighting switch 19 is in a manual mode (a mode in which the headlights have been operated by manual switching), and the process flow goes to step S17.

In step S2, the lighting control system 17 goes into a waiting mode and determines in step S3 whether or not the temperature of the outside air exceeds a predetermined value. When the temperature of the outside air exceeds a predetermined value, step S4 is carried out. In contrast, if the temperature of the outside air is less than a predetermined value, the process flow goes to step S5, in which heaters for headlamp de-icing (for example heaters attached to the lenses) are activated. The process flow then proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the detection signal output from the outside light detection sensor 22 determines whether it is day or night based on whether or not the intensity of the outside light exceeds a threshold. If it is determined that it is night, the process flow goes to step S6. Conversely, if it is determined that it is day, the program proceeds to step S7.

In step S6, after the driving situation mode corresponding to the first con troll mode, determines whether the wipers are activated or not. When it is recognized that the wipers are activated, the program proceeds to step S9. If it is determined that the wipers are not activated, the program proceeds to step S17.

In step S9, a period of time during which the wipers are in operation with a predetermined value to see if the period is long or is short. If the operating time is long, the program goes to step S10. If however, the operating time is short, the program proceeds to step S17.  

After the driving situation mode is determined as the second control mode in step S10, the program proceeds to step S11, in which it is determined whether the intervals with which the wipers are operated are longer or shorter than those from the selected position of the Control switch 21 or the distance at which the control switch 21 is moved are fixed intervals. If the intervals are short, the program proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if the intervals are long, the program proceeds to step S17.

After the driving situation mode is determined as the third control mode in step S12 the program proceeds to step S17. If determined in step S4 if it is day, the program proceeds to step S13 after it is determined that the driving situation mode is the fourth control mode. It will then be is true whether the wipers are activated or not. If the wipers ak are activated, the program proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if the Schei are not activated, the program proceeds to step S17.

In step S14, the time period during which the wipers are in operation with a predetermined value to determine whether the operating time is short or is long. If the operating time is long, the program proceeds to step S15. If the operating time is short, the program proceeds to step S17.

In step S15, it is determined from the predetermined position of the control switch 21 or from the distance to which the control switch 21 is moved whether the intervals with which the wipers are activated are longer or shorter than the predetermined intervals. If the intervals are shorter than the predetermined intervals, the program proceeds to step S16, on the other hand, if the intervals are longer than the predetermined intervals, the program proceeds to step S17.

After the driving situation mode as the fifth control mode be in step S16 the program proceeds to step S17.  

In step S17, the control modes determined in steps S6, S7, S10, S12 and S16 are verified by a plausibility analysis, which is carried out on the basis of the data provided by the image analysis device 24 and the road-to-vehicle communication / navigation device 20 were received. Furthermore, the lighting of the individual lights is controlled according to the specific control mode. The process flow then returns to step S1. It is not necessary to determine the control mode at once. The control mode can also be selected after several repetitions to rule out incorrect settings and operating modes.

An example of a control flow shown in a flowchart in FIG. 12 can be applied to the case where it is determined whether it is day, night, evening or morning by using the weather information received for road-to-vehicle communication system or a Outdoor light detection signal Use fin det.

The present example uses weather modes (beautiful, rainy, and snowfall foggy), outdoor light modes i (i = 1st day, i = 2: dawn or dusk and i = 3: Night) and a rain mode (or snow mode) (in categories of modes according to the amount of rain or snowfall). The headlight lighting control modes correspond to respective combinations of modes. If, for example the weather mode is a "good weather mode" and the outside light mode is "1 (day)", At this time, the effective lighting control mode corresponds to the fourth control mode.

In step S1, it is determined whether the automatic lighting switch 19 is in an automatic mode or not. If the automatic mode is in effect, the program flow proceeds to step S2. If the automatic mode is not in effect, it is recognized that the automatic lighting switch 19 is held in a manual mode.

In step S2, it is determined whether a road-to-vehicle communication device is available, or whether road-to-vehicle communication in this step is applied or not. Here in a road-to-vehicle Communication system the data including weather information for a recipient ger in the vehicle from a transmitter device along the side strip of the street ß or arranged in the median is transferred. When a road-to-vehicle Communication system is available, the program proceeds to step S3, in which a program brand is reset. Step S5 is then executed leads. In contrast, if no road-to-vehicle communication system is available the process flow goes to step S4, in which the program flag is set. Step S5 is then carried out. Determining whether a road-to-vehicle Communication system is available or not is to determine whether related the operating condition of the wipers must be taken or not and on such a determination are reflected in the lighting control got to. Since the restricted-view fences and median strips of the road-to- Vehicle communication system equipped street are provided, it is at for example not necessary, avoiding blinds oncoming Ver to take into account. Therefore, unnecessary lighting control can be avoided can be switched by possible limits on the distribution of light intensity, which in In this case, the intention is to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic which is prevented.

In step S5, the intensity of the outside light is determined on the basis of the detection signal output by the outside light detection sensor 22 . More specifically, when the intensity of the outside light is high, the process flow goes to step S6, where the outside light mode is determined to be 1 (day). If the intensity of the outside light is low, the process flow goes to step S8, in which the outside light mode is determined to be 3 (night). If the intensity of the outside light has an intermediate value, the program proceeds to step S7, in which the outside light mode is determined as 2 (dusk or dawn).

In step S9, a determination is made regarding the Mar set in steps S3 and S4 ken carried out. When the marks are reset, the program goes to Step S10 further. If, on the contrary, the brands have been set, this will happen Program to step S11.

In step S10, the weather information is received via the road-to-vehicle communication system, and a weather mode is determined based on the weather information or the data received from the image analyzer 24 . The program then proceeds to step S14.

In step S11, it is determined whether the wipers are activated or not. If the Wipers are activated, the program proceeds to step S12, in which the weather mode is determined as "rain weather mode". The program is progressing then go to step S14. In contrast, if the wipers are not activated, the program proceeds to step S13, in which the weather mode is set to "good weather mode "is set. The program then proceeds to step S19.

In step S14, the amount of rain (or snow) from the interval len, with which the wipers are activated and the duration of operation of the Windshield wipers (i.e., continuous or intermittent). More accurate said, if the intervals are short, the program proceeds to step S15 in where the amount of rain (or snow) is determined to be high. The The program then proceeds to step S18. In contrast, if the intervals are long, the program proceeds to step S16, where the amount of precipitation rain (or snow) is determined to be average. The program then proceeds to step S18. In the case of intermittent operation the wipers work the program proceeds to step S17 and determines that the amount of precipitation is on Rain (or snow) is low or the precipitation of rain (or snow) only has started recently. The program then proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, on the basis of a plausibility analysis of the results of the determinations carried out in steps S15 to S17, the data received from the image analysis device 24 and the information received via the road-to-vehicle communication system regarding the amount of precipitation of rain (or snow) ( in the event that this information is available) the rain (or snow fall) intensity mode is determined. The program then proceeds to step S19.

In step S19, a headlamp lighting control mode corresponding to that Combination of a weather mode, an outdoor light mode and the rain (or Snowfall) intensity mode. The program then goes to step S20 further, in which the lighting of the headlights in a predetermined manner for each control mode (details of taxation are omitted for repetition to avoid gene in the description) controlled. Then the program returns back to step S15.

In foggy weather, the control of the headlights is desirably under Be consideration of the density of the fog and the presence / absence coming vehicles and a preceding vehicle changed.

For example, as shown in a flow chart, a density of the mist in the Step S1 detected. The fog density is determined by a transmission of a laser light is measured in the fog or by means of a road-to-vehicle communication cation system or the information obtained by analyzing an image formation is used.

In step S2, the determined density of the fog is compared with a threshold value (%) chen. If the detected density is greater than or equal to the threshold, the pro goes gram to step S4. If the density is less than the threshold, then steps the program to step S3.

In step S3, it is determined whether oncoming vehicles and one ahead of the vehicle are present. If there are such vehicles, the program goes to step S4. In contrast, if there are no such vehicles, step on  the program to step S5. The presence of oncoming driving witness and a vehicle in front is the result of the analysis of a captured image, by detecting the light rays from oncoming Vehicles and a vehicle in front by an optical sensor or by detecting ultrasonic waves from the exhaust of the vehicle in front or reflected by oncoming vehicles.

In step S4, the beams emitted from the headlights 26 are set as downward beams (so-called deep beams), and the front fog lights 27 are turned on as desired in connection with the deep beams.

In step S5, the beams emitted by the headlights 26 from main beams (so-called high beams) are set and the front fog lamps 27 are put into operation as desired in connection with the main beams.

If the headlamps 26 have a mechanism for changing the height of a cut-off line of the downward beam (ie a mechanism for controlling the height of a cut-off element or a leveling ring mechanism for tilting the beam axis within a vertical plane), the height of the cut-off line becomes in step S4 (ie the beam axis is tilted downwards). Alternatively, the height of the cutting line can be controlled upwards in step S5 (ie, the beam axis is brought to an upper level or position).

In the lighting control system 17 described above, headlight control, distribution of the light intensity of marker lights and light intensity are controlled under various weather conditions including rain, fog and snow. The present invention thus helps to prevent traffic accidents and to ensure safe driving.

In the previous description is the determination of weather conditions and Road surface conditions or a determination of various categories of pro grammodes illustrative in nature. For example, the evaluation logic is not one  Boolean logic is limited, but this can also be fuzzy logic. For the Those skilled in the art can therefore see that various modifications and changes changes in the headlight assembly and its manufacturing process according to the present ing invention can be carried out without the thought and the Schutzbe rich deviate from the invention. It is thus intended that the present invention the modifications and changes of this invention, insofar as these are in the protective area covered by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims (24)

1. Vehicle lighting system with:
Vehicle lights;
an environmental detector for detecting weather and road surface conditions; and
a lighting control device for controlling lighting of the vehicle lights based on the weather and road surface conditions received from the environment detection device. 2. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, further comprising a tree Device for changing a lighting area and a lighting Direction of the vehicle lights includes. 3. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 1, wherein the lighting ei ne luminous intensity distribution, a light intensity and a color of the light. 4. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the ambient sensing device comprises:
an image pickup device for collecting image data of the vehicle environment;
weather analyzing means for determining the weather conditions outside the vehicle from the image data obtained from the image pickup means; and
road surface analyzing means for determining the road surface conditions from the image data received from the image pickup means. 5. The vehicle lighting system of claim 4, further comprising a ref Reference data recording device for collecting reference data includes the Weather or road surface conditions from reference data, the other To determine data as the image data representing the vehicle environment. 6. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 5, wherein the reference data Recording device a control switch for activating vehicle wi schern, an outdoor light detection device for detecting ambient light and a receiver for signals from a communication provided on a road cation device for receiving weather and road surface conditions includes. 7. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 4, wherein the road surface Chenanalysiereinrichtung the road surface conditions by means of a Hellig contrasts of a lane marking on a street. 8. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 7, wherein the brightness control traces the lane marking through an interrelation between a hel and a span output by the environment detection device is analyzed. 9. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle lights include:
a light source;
a light shielding element positioned above the light source;
a reflection mirror reflecting light from the light source and positioned substantially over a primary light beam axis;
an actuator for moving the light shielding member along the primary beam axis; and
a secondary reflection mirror that reflects light from the light source and is positioned substantially below the primary beam axis. 10. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle lights include:
a light source;
a reflection mirror that reflects light from the light source and is positioned substantially above a primary beam axis;
a secondary reflection mirror that reflects light from the light source and that is positioned substantially below the primary beam axis; and
an actuator for starting a rotary motion of the secondary reflection mirror. 11. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle lights include:
a light source;
a lens that focuses illumination from the light source;
a reflection mirror that reflects the lighting from the light source and
which is rotatable about a center of rotation; and
a dimming element that adjusts the lighting of the light source. 12. The vehicle lighting system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle lights include:
a light source;
a reflection mirror that reflects the light source;
an inner lens positioned in front of the light source and focusing illumination from the light source;
an outer lens that focuses the illumination from the light source after the illumination has penetrated the inner lens; and
an actuator for adjusting a distance between the inner lens and the outer lens. 13. The vehicle lighting system of claim 4, wherein the image capture device comprises a charge-coupled switching element. 14. Vehicle lighting system with:
Vehicle lights;
a lamp driver device for controlling a lighting area and a lighting direction of the lights;
a light controller for controlling an intensity of the lights;
an environment detection device for detecting weather and road surface conditions;
a lighting control device for controlling the lamp driver device and the lamp controller on the basis of the weather and road surface conditions received from the environmental detection device. 15. The vehicle lighting system of claim 14, wherein the lighting has a luminous intensity distribution, a light intensity and a color of the light. 16. The vehicle lighting system of claim 14, wherein the ambient sensing device comprises:
an image pickup device for collecting image data of the vehicle environment;
a weather analyzer for determining the weather conditions outside the vehicle from the image data received by the image pickup device;
road surface analyzing means for determining the road surface conditions from the image data received from the image pickup means; and
a reference data acquisition device for collecting reference data in order to determine the weather or road surface conditions from reference data which represent data other than the image data of the vehicle surroundings. 17. The vehicle lighting system of claim 16, wherein the reference da ten recording device a control switch for activating vehicle wi schern, an outdoor light detection device for detecting ambient light and a receiver for signals from one provided on a road  Communication device for receiving the weather and road surface conditions included. 18. The vehicle lighting system of claim 16, wherein the street top surface analysis device the road surface conditions by means of a hel contrast of a road marking on a street. 19. The vehicle lighting system according to claim 18, wherein the brightness control traces the lane marking by means of an interrelation between one Brightness and one output by the environment detection device Voltage is analyzed. 20. The vehicle lighting system of claim 14, wherein the vehicle lights include:
a light source;
a light shielding member disposed under the light source;
a reflection mirror that reflects light from the light source and is positioned substantially above a primary light beam axis;
an actuator for moving the light shielding member along the primary beam axis; and
a secondary reflection mirror that reflects light from the light source and is positioned substantially below the primary beam axis. 21. The vehicle lighting system of claim 14, wherein the vehicle lights include:
a light source;
a reflection mirror that reflects light from the light source and is positioned substantially above a primary beam axis;
a secondary reflection mirror that reflects light from the light source and is positioned substantially below the primary beam axis; and
an actuator for starting a rotary motion of the secondary reflection mirror. 22. The vehicle lighting system of claim 14, wherein the vehicle lights include:
a light source;
a lens that focuses illumination from the light source;
a reflection mirror that reflects the illumination from the light source and is rotatable about a center of rotation; and
a dimming element that adjusts the lighting from the light source. 23. The vehicle lighting system of claim 14, wherein the vehicle lights include:
a light source;
a reflection mirror that reflects the light source;
an inner lens positioned in front of the light source and focusing illumination from the light source;
an outer lens that focuses the illumination from the light source after the illumination has penetrated the inner lens; and
an actuator for adjusting a distance between the inner lens and the outer lens. 24. The vehicle lighting system of claim 16, wherein the image capture device comprises a charge-coupled switching element.